If we learn about creatures that once roamed the earth, it can sober us up enough to help preserve today’s endangered species. Polar bears are severely endangered (no matter what Donald Trump says) and there are just a few thousand wild tigers left on earth. Recently, National Geographic captured a heart-breaking photo of a carer caressing the carcass of the last-but-one species of a rare rhino. So that leaves one.
Forgotten Beasts is a wonderful book about creatures that once roamed the earth by Matt Sewell (he’s the artist who writes all those fun bird-watching pop-art books). Meet beasts that we have lost from the sabre-toothed tiger to the woolly mammoth, and obscure monsters that walked the earth, millions of years ago. One animal roamed the earth 500 million years ago, but the Tasmanian tiger only became extinct in 1936. Did you know that our plant once had:
- A Water King Penguin (the size of a man?)
- The largest owl that ever existed?
- A short-nosed bear that kept North America human-free?
Maisie Mammoth’s Memoirs is a beautifully illustrated child’s guide to the Ice Age. Knowing about the history of our planet, is ideal opportunity to learn about climate change now. Maisie reveals the defining stories of some memorable creatures, from prehistoric times. Learn about:
- Stella the sabre-toothed tiger (with huge canine teeth)
- Trevor the titanoboa (a mega-snake who could swallow a crocodile)
- Camera-shy Gavin the giant ape, who inspired the myth of the Yeti
The characterful creatures and humorous approach, belies good scientific research of palaeontology (learn how to defrost a woolly mammoth!) The book is by Professor Mike Benton, who is professor of vertebrate palaeontology at University of Bristol.
Atlas of Extinct Animals is a book by award-winning poet Radek Malý, who tells the stories of 41 extinct species, and studies the causes of their sad demise. This large-format atlas has beautifully full-page illustrations by gifted artist Jirì Grbavcic and detailed pictures by renowned scientific illustrator Pavel Dvorský. To serve as a reminder of life that has already disappeared, the pages near the present day, to introduce creatures that still existed a few years ago.
The Magnificent Book of Extinct Animals explores some of the most captivating creatures, to have once shared our planet. From the giant moa and the dodo to the black rhino and Pinta Island tortoise, the animals in this book, have all disappeared due to the actions of humans. Their stories demonstrate the fragility of life on Earth, and inspire young readers to protect the planet and help help endangered animals.
A Quick Guide to Evolutionary Biology
The Greatest Show on Earth tells the story that began 4.6 billion years ago. The story of planet earth. Take your seats for the entire history, from the birth of Earth to the age of bacteria to the era of dinosaurs to the moment of people (blink, and you’ll miss it). Narrated by a friendly troop of insects and with mind-blowing lively illustrations.
Mini Grey was named after the car she was born, in a car park in Wales! After studying illustration, she became a primary school teacher and is a Kate Greenaway Medal award winner.
Amazing Evolution looks at everything from our genes and relationship to all living beings, to the fossils of long-dead creatures. Learn about how life began 3.8 billion years ago, and the millions of species today, and even how our brains work. Filled with clear explanations, beautiful illustrations and fascinating facts about strange and spectacular creatures, this book will keep children (and adults) enthralled for hours:
- What makes a fish a fish?
- Why do giraffes have long necks?
- How cabbages & tigers are related!
Anna Claybourne is a widely published children’s writer who lives in Scotland. London illustrator Wesley Robins is winner of the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Book Illustration.
Evolution for Smart Kids won’t go down well with Creationists, but everyone else (including many religious parents) can learn the origins of life. Valentia is now a paleonthologist who travels back in time, before there were any plants or animals in the world. She teaches of unicellular organisms, bad and good mutations and variations. Learn how we evolved from dinosaurs to chickens!
